Andy Murray reached the semi finals of Wimbledon for the 4th straight year, but it wasn’t easy. He was just a few point from dropping going two sets down before the Scot produced a superb fightback to beat David Ferrer.

Murray came through 6-7(5-7) 7-6(8-6) 6-4 7-6(7-4) to win in just under 4 hours.

Despite these two being some of the best returners in men’s tennis, the finish scoreline looks more like a Karlovic Isner match with the match ultimately being decided on three very close tie breaks.

Ferrer struck first blood with a break of serve early in the first set, he would go on to have the chance to serve for the first set but Murray broke and forced the tie break. The momentum should have been with Murray but the Spaniard toiled hard and claimed the first set tie break 7-5.

The second set followed the pattern of the first with Ferrer claiming an early break and then having the chance to serve for the set only For Murray to break back once and force the tie break. This time though Murray fought back from being a mini break down in the tie break to clinch it 8-6 and send the expectant crowd on centre court wild.

In the third set Murray gradually began to dictate the match albeit after a few tricky service games when he opened the door for Ferrer to take back control of the match. Those doors although appealing where always slammed shut and in the 9th game of the set Murray struck the lethal blow breaking Ferrer to lead 5-4 and he served out the set to love in the next game.

He raised his arms in celebration after serving out with ace number 18, an apt way to cap a display that combined skill, intelligence and composure in equal measure.

The fourth set went with serve, both players had chances to break though none could convert. Then at 5-5 the rain once again fell to force the duo of the court for the briefest of delays. They returned and both players played faultless service games to force the tie breaker once again.

Murray struck first in the tie break taking a 2-0 lead only for Ferrer to strike back and level things up at 4-3. The pressure on Ferrer finally told as sent a ball long for Murray to lead 5-3. Three points later Murray was in his 4th Wimbledon semi final.

After th match, Murray said,

It was a very tough match, a long match, a lot of tight moments. He’s a great player and sometimes doesn’t get enough respect. I’ve known him a long time and he’s an unbelievably hard worker.

No British man has won a major since Fred Perry landed the Wimbledon and the US Open titles in 1936. Murray will continue his bid for a maiden Grand Slam title against fifth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Friday. The Tsonga Murray Head to Head currently is 5-1 to Murray.